Bullhead City Bomb Arrest: 23-Year-Old Bryan Chambers Accused of Building Explosive Device After Jail Phone Tip | 17GEN4 News
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Bullhead City Bomb Arrest: 23-Year-Old Bryan Chambers Accused of Building Explosive Device After Jail Phone Tip | 17GEN4 News
BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. — May 8, 2026 — A 23-year-old Bullhead City man is behind bars after authorities say recorded jailhouse phone calls tipped them off that he was actively building a bomb inside his home — an investigation that ended with a pre-dawn arrest, the discovery of an explosive device and bomb-making materials, and multiple felony charges.
Bryan Christopher Lee Chambers faces charges of making terrorist threats, possession of dangerous drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia after Bullhead City police acted on information from the Yuma Prison Investigation Division.
On Wednesday, May 6, prison officials alerted detectives to recorded inmate phone conversations in which a family member — identified as Chambers — discussed making a bomb. Additional transcripts revealed talk of hiding guns and drugs ahead of the inmate’s release from prison and probation, plans to visit the inmate’s home, and specific references to the Donald J. Laughlin Memorial Bridge (commonly known as the Laughlin Bridge), which spans the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada.
Police began surveillance on Chambers. At approximately 5:30 a.m. Thursday, May 7, officers arrested him in the 2500 block of Arizona Highway 95 near Oatman Road. He was found in possession of cocaine at the time of the arrest.
With assistance from the Bullhead City Police Department Bomb Squad and Explosives K-9 teams — including K-9 Wilbur from Las Vegas Fire & Rescue and K-9 Reddick from BNSF Railway Police — detectives executed a search warrant at Chambers’ residence in the 700 block of Church Street, near Ramar Road and Hancock Road. Inside, they located “a bomb,” explosive device components, bomb-making materials and additional cocaine.
Chambers was booked into the Mohave County Jail in Kingman on the felony charges. No bond amount has been publicly released, and it is unclear if he has retained an attorney.
Latest updates as of Friday, May 8:
There have been no additional public statements from Bullhead City police or court officials since the arrest. Chambers remains in custody with no new charges filed and no reported court appearance date released yet. Authorities have not indicated any immediate threat to the public or the Laughlin Bridge area beyond the statements captured in the recorded calls, which police described as evidence of terrorist threats. The investigation remains active.
The case has drawn attention across northern Arizona and the tri-state area because of the proximity to the busy Laughlin entertainment corridor and the serious nature of the alleged bomb-making activity. Bullhead City police have not released a mugshot or additional photos at this time.
17GEN4 News will continue monitoring the case for any bond hearing, court updates or further details from investigators.
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